Recbar brings 'local fun,' gaming to J-town

A new bar and dining venue with a focus on “social gaming” is set to open this spring at 10301 Taylorsville Road in the former Bacon Bar.

The concept from Corey Sims and Tony Thomas stems from their wish to have “a place that encouraged the social aspect of why people go to a bar … and offer something a little different,” Sims said.

“We really wanted to bring a concept that blended all aspects – food, dining, beverage, gaming,” Sims said. “We wanted a fun place for people to go that was local, built by people who live in the neighborhood. People don't have to drive all the way downtown to enjoy a social atmosphere with good food.”

Sims and Thomas met when they opened Lucky Strike on 4th Street Live in 2004. Sims went on to become a corporate trainer.

“I traveled around with store openings and got to see a lot of west coast driven food, stuff not in the Louisville food scene at the time,” he said. “I got very excited about it.”

Recbar will offer craft beer, bourbon and innovative food, Sims said. They're at work on the menu now, which will feature sandwiches, tacos and other pub fare such as shareable appetizers.

Activities in the 5,000 square foot space will include more than 30 arcade games ranging from Space Invaders to NBA Jam; pinball, a pool table, ping pong, classic console gaming like Nintendo, and an extensive collection of card and board games including Cards Against Humanity, Jenga and Cranium.

An opening date has not been set but owners are planning for a mid-April date. To start, they'll serve dinner weekdays and be open all day Saturday and Sunday with brunch available.